Newsted

Newsted is an American heavy metal project formed in 2013 by Jason Newsted, the former bassist of Metallica. The group was created as a vehicle for Newsted to explore a heavier, guitar-driven sound after his departure from Metallica. The lineup varied over time, with Newsted remaining the central figure throughout the band's activity and collaborating with a rotating group of experienced metal musicians for recordings and live performances.

Musically, Newsted drew on elements of thrash metal, traditional heavy metal, and hard rock. The sound emphasized aggressive guitar riffs, prominent bass lines, and energetic vocals, reflecting Newsted’s long career in metal. The project attracted attention within metal communities for marking Newsted’s return to fronting a band, though it did not achieve mainstream chart success.

During its active period, Newsted released music in various formats and conducted live performances across the United States and Europe, including festival appearances and club shows. The activity of the project was relatively limited and short-lived compared to Newsted’s earlier bands.

Legacy and reception have viewed Newsted as a notable, albeit brief, chapter in Jason Newsted’s career, illustrating his ongoing interest in heavy, guitar-forward metal and his willingness to collaborate with a rotating lineup of players. The project is often discussed alongside Newsted’s work with Metallica and Flotsam and Jetsam as part of his broader musical legacy.

See also: Jason Newsted; Metallica; Flotsam and Jetsam.